Maryland Educators Urged to Engage Students in Reading Preference to Boost Literacy
A commentary piece published by Maryland Matters suggests that to improve reading skills among children in Maryland, educators and policymakers should involve children in the process by asking them about their reading preferences and what motivates them. The article highlights…
Baltimore, MD, August 5, 2026 —
Maryland educators and policymakers are being encouraged to involve children directly in the process of improving their reading skills by understanding their individual preferences and motivators, according to a commentary piece published by Maryland Matters.
The article suggests that asking students about what they like to read and what drives their interest in literacy can be a crucial step in fostering better reading habits. This approach aims to shift the perception of reading from a potentially tedious task to an engaging and enjoyable activity.
A notable example highlighted in the commentary is the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s “Summer Break Baltimore” program. This initiative has reportedly seen success by employing a Bingo board format. This method encourages participants to engage in a variety of literacy-related activities, going beyond traditional book reading. The program’s design makes reading more interactive and less like a chore, contributing to its effectiveness.
The author of the commentary emphasizes the importance of student empowerment in the literacy journey. By allowing children to have a say in selecting their reading materials and by involving them in interactive, community-focused programs, educators can help cultivate a lasting appreciation for reading. This participatory approach is seen as key to developing a lifelong love of reading among young people.
Story summarized from the original created by Melissa Bellamy on marylandmatters.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
